Description
If you love pecan pie but don’t want to wait until the holidays… these little muffins are your year-round fix!
Buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious — they taste just like a mini pie in every bite.
Quick, easy, and ready in under 40 minutes! Perfect for Sunday brunch, potlucks, or a sweet treat with coffee.
Would you rather eat these for BREAKFAST or DESSERT?
Ingredients:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chopped pecans
2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prep: 5 minutes
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3 minutes
Gradually stir in the flour until well combined.
2 minutes
Fold in the chopped pecans to create a rich, nutty batter.
2 minutes
Scoop the batter into muffin tins, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
5 minutes
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking: 25 minutes
Allow muffins to cool slightly before serving warm.
Cooling: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 muffins
#PecanPieMuffins #SouthernBaking #SweetTreats #EasyDesserts
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect muffins every time. First, ensure your oven rack is in the center position and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter and brown sugar for a full 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for texture. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour, mixing just until combined. Use a spatula to gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution without over-mixing. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The muffins are done when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile muffins are delightful served warm. For a decadent dessert, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a brunch treat, serve alongside fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, black tea, or a cold glass of milk.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cream butter and sugar, mix in flour, fold in pecans, portion into a muffin tin, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. The simple batter comes together in one bowl for minimal cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter? Yes, but omit any additional salt in the recipe. The sweet and salty contrast can be quite nice.
Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for reliable results.
How should I store leftover muffins? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I add chocolate chips? Definitely! Fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips with the pecans for a delicious twist.
My batter seems very thick. Is that correct? Yes. This is a thick, cookie-dough-like batter, not a traditional wet muffin batter. This consistency is what creates the rich, pie-like texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter: Butter must be softened to cream properly with the sugar. Cold butter will result in a dense texture.
- Over-mixing after adding flour: Mix just until the flour is incorporated to avoid tough muffins.
- Overfilling the muffin cups: Filling more than 2/3 full can cause the batter to overflow during baking.
- Over-baking: Check at the 20-minute mark. Over-baking will dry out the muffins.
Conclusion
These Pecan Pie Muffins are the ultimate shortcut to classic Southern flavor. They deliver all the buttery, caramelized goodness of a pecan pie in a convenient, portable form. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this easy one-bowl recipe is sure to become a year-round favorite. Give them a try and taste the magic for yourself!